Knowing When to Seek Treatment

Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It's also important to know that people of different ages will exhibit different symptoms and behaviors. Familiarizing yourself with the common maladaptive behaviors of children, adolescents, and adults will often help to identify any problems early, in their most treatable state. It's important for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in a young child?

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in the younger child, which necessitates a psychiatric evaluation. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the child studies and tries hard to succeed)

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adolescent?

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in the older, adolescent child, which necessitates a psychiatric evaluation. However, each adolescent may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the adolescent studies and tries hard to succeed)

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adult?

The following are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental problem in an adult, which necessitates a psychiatric evaluation. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Significant decline in work performance, poor work attendance, and/or lack of productivity